I’m sure most/all have already heard that long time Oiler head coach Craig MacTavish has been relieved of his duties. I must admit, that for me the firing/stepping down is bitter sweet.

I’m a firm believer that MacT is an excellent NHL head coach, his invitations to international events and his likely move as a head coach elsewhere in the NHL serve as proof to that.

That said, eight years is a long time in a position that typically has a 3-4 year shelf life, MacT’s patience for the team (and the teams patience with him) seemed to be wearing thin. With the well documented disconnect between MacTavish and Penner/Nilsson something had to give this summer.

Going forward I’m sure Lowbillini will quickly survey the field to find suitable replacements, local candidate Brent Sutter, currently with the Devils seems to be a fan favorite, other names brought up include Marc Crawford and Pat Quinn. Personally I don’t follow coaches that closely and I feel their affect on the teams record is way overstated, but I would like to see a young, career AHL coach with a great record and a fire to succeed (and finaly get his chance) brought in… we will see.

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In response to “MacT Ousted”

Mac T was partially victim of his sophomores' inability to get betterm and partially of his own comfort within his job. He didn't do much to make the youth better, and it cost him his job. I don't think it was too unpredictable, as personally I thought his time was up last season. Bob Gainey's move of firing Guy Carbonneau likely made this an easier decision to make for the Oil…. I'm so glad to see one of my most hated teams out of the playoffs…lolzz… Sorry, but I always hated the Oilers. The name itself makes me wonder if they'd even be a team without all the money in Alberta….Also hated Wayne Gretzky, which likely doesn't hurt my hatred of your team.I must say, somewhat in dissention to my personal opinion, that the team is starting to take a nice shape, Hemsky is as good as they come in terms of passing, and if your young guns can actually build towards their potential, it's gonna be a scary team to play against. However, I'll take my slice of Rangers pie right now and walk away satisfied…lol

Dan, I'm suprised you hated Gretzky when he finished his career on Broadway. Definitely my all-time fav. As for the vacant coaching position in E-town I think it will be important to get someone who is offensive minded and will work well with the younger makeup of the team. A yeller and screamer like Tortorella wouldn't work well with them. I don't mind any of the names you mentioned and I also wondered about Daum who coaches the Falcons and used to be the U of A Golden Bears coach. I think he'd be a great choice, but I guess we'll see what Tambellini comes up with. Hopefully they do it soon and don't drag out the process so that the new coach can prepare for the upcoming draft.